FAQs

What is an archaeological management plan (AMP)?
What is an archaeological management plan used for?
What is archaeological potential?
Where does the need for archaeological assessment come from?
Where can I find out more about archaeology and the archaeological assessment process in Ontario?

    What is an archaeological management plan (AMP)?

    It is a planning document and tool that assists the municipality in identifying, managing, and protecting archaeological resources within the municipal limits. This will include background information, municipal policy and procedures, an Indigenous Consultation and Engagement protocol, and a detailed mapping of archaeological potential. The Ontario Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 identifies and recommends planning authorities consider and promote archaeological management plans to assist with the identification, management, and conservation of archaeological resources within their jurisdiction (Section 2.6, 2.6.4).

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    What is an archaeological management plan used for?

    The AMP is foremost a tool for City staff to help clarify the archaeological potential, status, and resources present, and the need for an archaeological assessment as part of the municipal planning process. Similarly, this can be a useful tool for developers and landowners to proactively understand the archaeological implications for any contemplated developments or buildings. Additionally, this will be an informative resource for archaeological consultants and the public about the City as a whole, as well as the archaeological assessment process.

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    What is archaeological potential?

    Archaeological potential is the term used when discussing the likelihood of finding an archaeological site based on the proximity of an area to certain environmental, cultural, and logistical characteristics.
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    Where does the need for archaeological assessment come from?

    The Ontario Heritage Act, enacted in 1975, established that archaeological resources within the Province of Ontario were a protected resource under the stewardship of the government of Ontario. In this, it also established that as a protected resource only archaeologists, licenced by the province were authorized to investigate and excavate the archaeological site and their artifacts. In the following years, triggers for archaeological assessments were added to legislation, such as the Planning Act through pieces such as the Provincial Policy Statement, indicating the need to have properties assessed, prior to the approval of development application. The Planning Act is the most common trigger, at the municipal level, issuing the requirement of an archaeological assessment.
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    Where can I find out more about archaeology and the archaeological assessment process in Ontario?

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